Ryan Grant Will Contribute To Washington Redskins' Passing Game

Ryan Grant
Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The receiver out of Tulane University is making his mark with the Washington Redskins. He was the fifth-round pick in the 2014 NFL draft. Ryan Grant has impressed the entire Redskins’ coaching staff and the more he impresses, the more he strengthens his case to become the third wide receiver.

Jay Gruden has commented on the second-year wideout, “But I won’t hesitate one bit whether he’s our starting Z, starting X, starting inside player, what have you. I think as a wide receiver he’s very polished and he’s just waiting his turn. He is ready to go, though. I promise you that. I love Ryan Grant and what he is and what he’s about”.

What does he bring to the aerial attack? He’s got a great frame, better than that of Andre Roberts, and he’s got Velcro hands. Everyone knows that a receiver with great hands is a quarterback’s best friend. Grant is also a great route runner over the middle, a natural short-range outlet that Robert Griffin III could count on. It’s a position that is desperately needed with the big playmakers on the outside in Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson.

The Redskins passing attack is boom or bust. They didn’t utilize Garcon enough last season and he’s a great, tough wide receiver. They just relied on the deep ball with Jackson, which doesn’t bring a balanced attack. They put too much on Jackson, assuming that he could turn every catch into a major gain. They need a possession receiver who can go over the middle, while Garcon and Jackson take up the outside.

Last season, he made some big plays on third down, which shows that he can produce under pressure. Not only does he bring toughness to the table, Grant brings intelligence to the receiving core. He knows how to run precise routes, and how to create space with his body against opposing defensive backs. Creating space and running precise routes will help Griffin tremendously. Griffin needs a safety net option if he can’t get the ball on the outside, and Roberts was just too inconsistent last season.

Roberts’ position as the third wideout is far from being secure. Jamison Crowder could take some snaps from scrimmage as well, but his off-the-field issues might set him back a bit. The Redskins should insert the second-year wideout so that he gets the experience to elevate his game. Waiting on this guy wouldn’t be a smart idea. It would be better to use his skills and mindset now to help balance out the passing attack. Grant would be a great third option and hopefully he continues to build his case this offseason.

 

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